Calendar

Mondays, May 24 & June 7 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. via Zoom

Zoom Registration Link: http://bit.ly/RuthZoom

Don’t be fooled by the Book of Ruth’s short and seemingly simple story. Although it runs just four chapters, Ruth offers a rich reflection on the universal experience of borders and belonging, both in our individual lives and in our communities. This scripture, traditionally associated with Pentecost, also comes with numerous gaps and ambiguities that challenge our understanding of its meaning for the life of the Church. Join us for a two-week study of Ruth led by John Monroe, in which we will engage in a close reading of the text and explore its connections to our lives today. Our conversation will be guided, in part, by the book “Borders and Belonging: The Book of Ruth: A Story for Our Times,” by Padraig O’Tuama and Glenn Jordan. Reading the book is encouraged, but optional.

On May 24, we will discuss the historical background of Ruth and how that might shape our reading. Then we will dive into the first two chapters, with a focus on the idea of borders, both geographical and cultural, and explore the role of borders in our society today. On June 7, we will look at how our faith mediates the tension between the presence of borders and the longing to belong, and we will ask tough questions about how the Church both creates borders and fosters belonging.